Nepal tightens rules for foreign journalists covering Bhotekoshi floods

Nepal's government has implemented new rules for both domestic and foreign media covering the recent Bhotekoshi floods. Foreign journalists are now required to provide a copy of their passports, valid visas, and an appointment letter from their media organization. This move, according to the Department of Information Administration and Press Branch, is not a new policy but a continuation of existing procedures for issuing press passes.

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The issuance of press passes has long been a regular process of the department.

Govinda Prasad Pandey, spokesperson for the department, emphasized that the arrangements for foreign journalists have long been in place under existing print and broadcasting regulations. The recent floods in the Bhotekoshi River, which caused significant damage, have prompted many international media correspondents to arrive in the affected areas. The department has also requested recommendation letters from media organizations and relevant foreign ministries or embassies in Nepal.

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It is not a permanent rule, it is only aimed at streamlining the current disaster coverage.

An official clarified that these rules are temporary, specifically aimed at organizing the current disaster coverage. Foreign correspondents must also submit their organizational identity cards and details regarding their pay and benefits. After an online application is approved, they need to personally collect their press representative certificate and journalist identity card from the department, bringing two passport-sized photographs.

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The office will remain open and provide services even on public holidays so that foreign journalists coming to Nepal for reporting do not have to wait or face any inconvenience.

Pandey assured that the department would operate even on public holidays to assist foreign journalists. He also stressed that any foreign journalist already in Nepal without a press pass must obtain one before reporting, as reporting without it would be considered illegal. The department's website, www.doib.gov.np, is available for both Nepali and foreign applicants to submit their applications online.

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If someone reports without a press pass, it will not be considered legal, and not to have completed the required procedures.